Tao Te Ching 61

 Tao Te Ching 61

A large country should take the low place like a great watershed which, from its low position, assumes the female role.

The female overcomes the male by the power of her position.

Her tranquility gives rise to her humility.

If a large country takes a low position, it will be able to influence smaller countries.

If smaller countries take the lower position, then they can allow themselves to be influenced.

So both seek to take the lower position in order to influence the other or be influenced.

Large countries should desire to help and protect the people, and small countries should desire to serve others.

Both, large and small countries, benefit greatly from humility.

Lao Tzu